The Middle East is facing a menacing problem. It’s a problem that is growing every year and leaving Middle Eastern leaders grasping at straws in search of a solution.
Their fear: Children and young adults are taking over.
According to the CIA Factbook, Jordan’s median age is now about 24 years, and many expect the median age to dip even lower. Unfortunately, no one knows what to do with this new community of citizens. This phenomenon represents a potential advantage if the governments are able to harness the ingenuity, inspiration and influence of these younger generations. However, it also poses a threat to the very stability of the region, especially if you find yourself with a large collection of young, intelligent individuals lacking jobs, purpose and personal avenues for self-actualization.
Soon after arriving in the country, I quickly discovered the difficulty of finding ways to vent or express myself. The communities and institutions that provide creative and social outlets for citizens in the United States do not yet exist here. From park districts to the many clubs and organizations available at this university, it’s not difficult for young adults at our university to find their niche. Unfortunately, the University of Jordan and Jordanian institutions have been unable to provide similar opportunities for their newer generations. As a result, much of this young generation is left disillusioned.
“We need to invest in our children’s futures,” is an oft-repeated phrase in the U.S. Jordan has yet to institutionalize this sort of investment, so youth look beyond the state for inspiration. While the government doesn’t favor clubs, religious organizations are the one avenue the government allows greater freedom. Students then find their outlets in the one place they can: parties such as the Muslim Brotherhood. The organization provides leadership and development opportunities for young adults. It gives them a purpose.
The few opportunities that do exist outside of the religious arena are plagued by one of the most powerful and undeniable forces in Jordan: wasta. Wasta, know in English as nepotism, has the final say in most economic, civil and political interactions at every level of Jordanian society. It’s at play when the remedial athlete gets onto the national swim team over the better swimmer, or when one student wins the scholarship because of his or her family name. For many, wasta extinguishes any last hope that may have existed within the institutional system.
All of this is exacerbated by the backlash against young adults trying to take matters into their own hands. I recently witnessed a small protest in front of the University of Jordan’s administration building. The protesters, representing students who want better facilities, consisted of a small group of no more than 50 students who were respectful, responsible and calm during their demonstration, but it was quickly broken up. Someone warned one of my friends, a fourth-year student, that she wouldn’t graduate if she remained at the gathering.
I was frustrated, along with many of the students. If you discourage responsible demonstrations, you can expect individuals to resort to more dangerous and harmful forms of protest later. It is impossible to achieve a true, thriving democracy if constructive criticism and responsible forms of free speech are discouraged.
Avenues of self-expression, whether political or social, must be created if Jordan wants to become a part of the global world. The students are ready. Are the leaders?
Ari Gore is a junior government and politics major writing from Jordan. He can be reached at arigore@gmail.com.
